Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for using character-driven robots and other agents for volunteer computing and other unengaged time computing tasks. One of the robots is configured to execute instructions that cause the robot to receive one or more sensor inputs from one or more sensor subsystems. From the one or more sensor inputs, a prediction representing a likelihood of one or more users engaging with the robot over a particular subsequent time period is computed. If the computed prediction indicates that the robot is in an unengaged state, the robot selects one or more unengaged time computing tasks and performs the selected one or more unengaged time computing tasks.

Abstract: An apparatus, a module, a device and a method for shearing objects are disclosed. The apparatus is configured for insertion into a borehole. The apparatus comprises: a primary axis; a movable shearing means; and a deflecting means. The deflecting means and the movable shearing means are mutually configured such that, when the movable shearing means is driven by a driving force in a direction parallel to the primary axis, the movable shearing means slides along the deflecting means and at least a portion of the movable shearing means is deflected in a direction towards to the primary axis.